In 1901, Lily is an apprentice bookbinder in a man’s world. She is hemmed in by her father’s expectations and the rules of society. But when she finds a letter hidden for fifty years glued into the binding of a book, she embarks on a hunt to first, find the other letters, and second, find the writer of these letters. The hunt leads her to collectors, book shops, and all over southern England.

But someone else will do anything to keep these letters hidden. A menacing man in a bowler hat turns up and threatens her unless she turns over the books. Her office is searched and the books she’d already found are stolen. Then her father is severely beaten. But Lily will not give up.

Interesting, and sometimes humorous, characters and an intriguing and very different mystery make this a good choice. Learning about book binding is a plus.

Highly Recommended.

I am a huge Harry Dresden fan and this new offering does not disappoint.

Harry is devastated by Karrin’s death (in the previous book) and can barely function. Unfortunately, he does not have time to grieve. The people sheltering in his castle need to be fed and cared for. Bands of normies are threatening the magical community, who are threatening to retaliate, and do, with black magic. Ghouls are stalking Chicago and taking people off the streets. Harry is asked by a friend to take on the training of a new magic user. Harry’s brother Thomas, still in captivity, is slowly dying. Harry, at Mab’s direction, is dating the Queen of the vampire community, Lara Raith.

And, of course, Mab, Winter Queen of the Fae, is up to her usual shenanigans, interfering constantly in Harry’s life.

Another winner. I already can’t wait for the next one.